Improvement in shoe-lacings



UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.,

SAMUEL T. MARSH, OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN.

IMPROVEMENT IN SHOE-LAClNGS.

VSpecification forming part of Letters Patent No.' 176,022, dated April 1l, 1876 application filed I March 18, 1876.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, SAMUEL T. MAHsH, of Detroit, in the county of Wayne and State of Michigan, have invented a new and valuable Improvement in ShoeALaces; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the construction and operation of the same, reference being had to the annexed drawings making a part of this specification, and to the letters and figures of reference marked thereon.

Figure 1 of the drawings is a represent-ation of a front elevation of my shoe-lace while in operation Fig. 2 is a front elevation of my shoe-lace while open.

The nature of my invention consists in a metallic shoe-lace, composed of a series of pivoted metal strips with a locking device at the top, as will be hereinafter more fully set forth.

In the annexed drawing, A A represent two metal strips fastened to the edges of a slit piece of leather or other suitable material. To each of the strips are pivoted a series of metal strips, B B, which increase in size from the bottom to the top. The outer ends ot' each pair of strips B are pivoted together and to a central strip, O, as shown.

The top pair of strips B are slotted longitudinally, and in the same ride suitable rivets ain the arms ot' a cross-shaped lockingdevice, D, also formed of metal strips. The lower long arm of the cross D is slotted longitudinally and rides on a headed pin or rivet, b. In the slotted arm of the cross D are notches m so, as shown.

This invention may be applied to old shoes by lacing it on both sides by the leather attachment B above mentioned 5 or it may be applied directly to new shoes when being made.

It is closed by simply drawing the shoe together at the top, the cross or locking device D moving upward in the slotted top strips B, and locking itself b v its bottom notch a: fastening on the pin b, and the laces thus remain securely fastened. When it is desired to unlace the shoe it is done by drawing it slightly together at the top and pressing the upright part of the cross so that the pin b gets out off the notch, and then pulling the laces apart, all of which can be done in comparatively little time, or with little trouble. One or more other notches, x, may be used when it is desired to have the shoe loose.

It is durable and ornamental to the shoe, keeps the shoe in proper place, and strengthens the ankles ol" children. It can be made at little expense, and thus be within the reach of all. Y

What I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

l. A shoelace consisting of two series of pivoted metallic strips gradually increasing in size from bottom to top, and the outer ends of the corresponding strips in the two series pivoted together .and to a central strip, substan tially as and for the purpose set forth.

2. rlhe combination of the side strips A A, pivoted strips B B, central strip C, and locking-cross D, all constructed substantially as and for the purpose herein set forth.

In testimony that I claim the above I have hereunto subscribed my name in the presence of two Witnesses.

SAMUEL T. MAnsH.

Witnesses: JOHN BABTrsT PoUsoN,

THoMAs FREDERICK CHANDLER. 

